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Soundtrack Spotlight: Beat Up The Beat With The Midi Mafia

Posted 8/12/10 3:25 pm EST by in Jersey Shore, Top TV Shows


What's on your iPod right now? Well, if you're like us, you've probably already programmed in the perfect mix for every occasion. Big night out with the girls? Better break out the Ke$ha. Long car ride with the fam? Don't worry, Cake's got your back. Sarah McLachlan, Snow Patrol? You're great for getting all sad/soul-searchy, but for those early a.m. workouts? Imma be blastin' Black Eyed Peas. So what's missing from your playlist? A summer soundtrack that'll get you from the beach to the bars, and everywhere in between. Ladies and gentleman, say hello to The Midi Mafia.

Although you probably know them best as producers (and the guys behind 50 Cent's "21 Questions"), The Midi Mafia's starting to get noticed as performers. The hit-making duo -- made up of rapper Bruce Waynne and DJ Dirty Swift -- has worked with everyone from J. Lo to Justin Bieber, and now they're finally ready to turn the spotlight on themselves with their debut EP, "Vegas Lights." So how would we describe their sound? Well, (to borrow a phrase from Snooki), we've got two words for you: Party's here!

With its tight, energetic raps and fun guest artists (like "Fantasy Factory"'s Chanel!), "Vegas Lights" truly is a fist-pumpin' good time. And believe us when we tell you The Midi Mafia's got all your listening needs covered. Heading to the beach? Give Katy Perry's "California Gurls" a (much needed) rest and try "2 Piece (So Cosmo)" instead. Wanna be a (TMZ) star? Show 'em you've got Speidi-like dedication by blasting "PHamous" out your Escalade. Partying late? Beat up the beat (à la Pauly D) to "Last Call," a fast-paced smash off the official "Jersey Shore" soundtrack, and you just might have yourself a Situation.

So whip up a batch of (nonalcoholic) RonRon juice and get the J. Shore party started by reading up on The Midi Mafia and watching the music video for their hit, "PHamous," below.

Related Content Jersey Shore, Get The Scoop On All Our Soundtrack Spotlight Artists!

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Soundtrack Spotlight: Get To Know IYRKM's Green River Ordinance

Posted 8/11/10 3:22 pm EST by in If You Really Knew Me, Top TV Shows


When you're watching "If You Really Knew Me," music's probably the last thing on your mind. But if you happened to hear a few strains of Green River Ordinance's "Outside" on last night's episode (while scoping out Putnam City West), we don't blame you for noticing. And if you were, understandably, too distracted by Malcolm's breakthrough to focus on the soundtrack, allow us to fill you in on what you missed.

The first thing you need to know about pop/rock band Green River Ordinance? You probably already know them -- or, at least, you've (most likely) heard their songs before. Their 2010 hit "Rise Up" went international on the Team USA Olympic Soundtrack and 2009's "On Your Own" (our personal fave!) turned heads on a recent episode of Lifetime's "Drop Dead Diva." Oh, but don't worry -- if you're not familiar with the five-man rock posse (or their Fray-meets-Third Eye Blind hooks), it's never too late to become a fan.

Formed in 2003 in Fort Worth, Texas, by brothers Geoff and Jamey Ice (who play bass/guitar for the group), Green River Ordinance recorded their first EP (2005's "The Beauty of Letting Go") from the unlikely reaches of a church basement. Over the next three years, the Ices (joined by frontman Josh Jenkins, drummer Denton Hunker and guitarist Josh Wilkerson) hit the ground running, releasing another EP, perfecting their sound (think Matchbox Twenty, with sharper nails) and getting their name out via a successful grassroots campaign.

So what happened next? Well, thanks in large part to their loyal fans (aka YOU!), GRO started scoring better venues (playing gigs with Eisley and Collective Soul), inked a deal with Virgin Records in '07 (woot, woot!) and saw their 2009 LP, "Out of My Hands," reach No. 10 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, with two hits on the Billboard Top 40.

Now, after seven long years in the biz (what? they can't all be Justin Bieber!), Green River Ordinance is poised and ready for their breakout success. See what all the buzz is about by reading their MTV Artist bio, listening to them on Rhapsody and watching their "On Your Own" video, below.

Related Content If You Really Knew Me, Read Up On The Rest Of Remote Control's 'Soundtrack Spotlight' Artists

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Soundtrack Spotlight: If You Really Knew Seabird

Posted 8/4/10 2:34 pm EST by in If You Really Knew Me, Top TV Shows


How would you describe "If You Really Knew Me" to someone who's never seen it? Well, if "Jersey Shore" is the show that makes you laugh (or, *shudder* GTL), "IYRKM" is the one that makes you cry. Powerful, hard-hitting and emotional, "IYRKM" pushes us to look past labels (like outcast, jock or homecoming queen) and realize we're not the only ones who've ever felt scared, alone or completely misunderstood. And since we couldn't be there to give Brittney a hug on Challenge Day (hold your head high, girl!), we're giving her and her classmates the next big thing: a (vocal) pep talk, courtesy of Seabird and its latest hit, "Don't You Know You're Beautiful."

Wait, you've never heard of Seabird? Allow us to introduce you to your new favorite band (and the boys behind IYRKM's unofficial soundtrack). Formed in 2004 by brothers Aaron and Ryan Morgan (representin' Cincinnati!), the foursome first came on the scene in 2008 with their debut album, 'Til We See The Shore. Soon after, their songs made the leap to primetime -- "Rescue" got tapped by "Pushing Daises," while "Joy to the World" landed on "Grey's Anatomy" -- introducing a wider crowd to their meditative mod rock sound (think Coldplay, with an edge) before releasing the brooding sophomore album (Rocks Into Rivers) in December of 2009.

OK, we know what you're thinking: What does Seabird have to do with "IYRKM"? In our (negligibly biased) opinion? Everything. Sweet and soulful without being cheesy (take note, Nickelback), the piano-pounding pop rockers are a living contradiction. Despite their catchy -- and deceptively upbeat -- melodies, Seabird's lyrics often veer into dark and damaged territory, with maudlin verses (like "I feel like I'm drowning and nobody knows it,") spliced with peppy/energetic hooks ("you are my rescue"), as on 2008's "Rescue." You might've heard "Finally Done Right" (off the group's new album) on last night's "IYRKM," but nothing captures the show's scratch-beneath-the-surface spirit like these lines (from Seabird's "Don't You Know You're Beautiful"):

"I see you laughing
But I know inside that you're crying
Just tell me what happened when things went wrong
We'll try to make sense of it all"

Take a moment to revel in those inspirational (and extremely Challenge Day-appropriate) lyrics, then listen to "Don't You Know You're Beautiful," check out Seabird's MySpace and watch their "Rescue" video below.

Related Content If You Really Knew Me, Bonus: Read The 'Soundtrack Spotlight' On Freeway

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MTV Twitter Roundup: Snooki Wants A Tanning Salon In Every Airport

Posted 2/12/10 5:40 pm EST by in Jersey Shore, Top TV Shows


It's been a busy week for the MTV Twitterati, so we'll get right down to it, starting with ... Jersey Shore. While JWOWW pined for her old pal Snooki, the princess of pouf announced her plan to relieve stress by putting a nail salon, tanning bed and nightclub in every airport. (What, no gym?) Meanwhile, former Hills star Lauren Conrad teased Lo Bosworth about her Oprah-watching boyfriend while Real World: Brooklyn's Scott challenged The Situation to an old-fashioned "Ab Off." All that and more, on this week's MTV Twitter Roundup!

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Hot Shots: Say Hello To Audrina Patridge's Hunky Valentine!

Posted 2/12/10 4:15 pm EST by in The Hills, Top TV Shows


For the past few weeks, Audrina Patridge and Ryan Cabrera have been hanging out practically nonstop -- and yet there's only been one piece of photographic evidence to support their coupling ... until now. Last night, the PDAing pair finally cozied up for the cameras at the grand opening party for Delphine restaurant (in Hollywood). Check out these shots of 'Drina showing off her metallic duds (and heavy metal stud) on the carpet, then let us know what you think of the happy couple!

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VIDEO: Hell Freezes Over, Liz Tries Out For The Cheerleading Squad

Posted 2/12/10 3:24 pm EST by in My Life As Liz, Top TV Shows


Edgy. Subversive. Non-conformist. We can think of plenty of different adjectives that describe Liz -- needless to say, "peppy" isn't one of them. So we were kinda surprised when we found out she was throwing on a cheerleading uniform and shakin' her pom poms in front of the whole school. No, she hasn't completely lost her sanity (or fallen back under Cori's spell). She's doing it all for a story! (And cause she still owes Taylor and Cameron for refusing to shoot an innocent deer in the name of journalism animal cruelty.) Anyhow, forget all that and come with us to an alternate reality where Liz hangs out with the pep squad (and dresses like Quinn from Glee). Can we get an A-S-I-F?

Related Content My Life As Liz, Check Out More Bonus Clips

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VIDEO: Emily And Andrew Say Fighting About Depression Is Just 'Dumb'

Posted 2/12/10 12:00 pm EST by in Real World, Real World: D.C., Top TV Shows


There's nothing funny about depression. But when Ashley and Erika started arguing over who had it worse on Real World: D.C., it was all the rest of their roomies could do to keep from rolling their eyes. In our 'D.C. on the DL' exclusive, Josh confides that he thinks Ashley blew up outta jealousy (over Erika's supportive fam), while Andrew and Emily say the girls got caught up in all the competitiveness -- instead of focusing on their common ground. Have they got a point? Hear the gang's post-fight analysis, plus find out why they feel Ashley and Erika are more alike than either of 'em wants to admit.

Related Content Real World, Could Ashley And Erika BE More Dramatic?

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TTS Poll: Is Adam Ready For A 'Nice Girl' Like Emily Sones?

Posted 2/11/10 11:30 pm EST by in Taking The Stage, Top TV Shows


How do you get over a breakup? For us, it takes at least a week or two of moping around the house/listening to maudlin guitar music. For Adam, all it took was one cuddly I'm-there-for-you hug from Emily Sones. Yep, less than 24 hours after splitting up with Holly, Adam was already seeking solace in the arms of his BFF-slash-singing partner. And as much as we'd like to see those two together (Emily's "little crush" might be the worst kept secret in SCPA), we're not entirely sure Adam's ready to settle down.

Think Emily should give Adam a little time to clear his head? Or should she strike while the iron's hot? Take the poll and tell us whether these two friends are ready to take the plunge!

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Three Ways Taking The Stage's Carlton Can Step Up His Game

Posted 2/11/10 11:29 pm EST by in Taking The Stage, Top TV Shows


Carlton has some pretty smooth moves on the dance floor, but when it comes to flirting, dude still needs a little work. Despite his All-American good looks (BTdubs, is somebody missing an Abercrombie model?), Carlton's not exactly hitting it outta the park with his SCPA crush, Anna. So what can he do to step up his game? Based on what we've seen tonight, we've come up with a few dating guidelines. Below, the top three things you should probably never do around your dream girl ...

1) Walk face-first into her sliding glass door. In front of everyone she knows. Oops!
2) Promise you'll never, ever break her heart ... before you've even gone out on one date.
3) Stare crazy intensely at her boyfriend, then start asking everyone around who's better.

+ Think Carlton can still turn it around (and win Anna's heart)? Sound off in the comments!

Related Content Taking The Stage, Does Adam Belong With BFF Emily Sones?

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Valentine's Day Snookies? Now THAT's The Situation!

Posted 2/11/10 6:03 pm EST by in Jersey Shore, Top TV Shows


If you haven't gotten your loved one a Valentine's Day present yet, let's face it: you're probably kinda screwed. But for those of you who pride yourselves on last-ditch efforts (and minimal exertion!), we've got the perfect holiday package: Valentine's Day e-cards starring the cast of the Jersey Shore!

Show your (Sammi) sweetheart how much you care by baking her some holiday Snookies, JWOWWing her with love or wishing her all the best on her (Pauly D-style) blowout. With luck (and maybe a minor miracle), you'll be pounding one out before the day is done. Talk about a Shore thing! (Cards, art, amazingness brought to you by our friends at CollegeHumor.com.)

+ See more, after the jump!

Read More...

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